Large-flowered Pea-bush Plant Care
Sphaerolobium macranthum Meisn.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Sphaerolobium macranthum is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is an erect shrub with only a few scale-like leaves, and yellow or orange and red flowers.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Large-flowered Pea-bush?
Plant Large-flowered Pea-bush in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Large-flowered Pea-bush Native To?
What Is the Large-flowered Pea-bush?
Large-flowered Pea-bush (Sphaerolobium macranthum) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Sphaerolobium genus. Large-flowered Pea-bush is native to the south-west of Western Australia.
Large-flowered Pea-bush displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Large-flowered Pea-bush produces small yellow pea-like flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Large-flowered Pea-bush?
Water a young or newly planted Large-flowered Pea-bush every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Large-flowered Pea-bush Need?
Large-flowered Pea-bush thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Large-flowered Pea-bush Prefer?
Sphaerolobium macranthum tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Large-flowered Pea-bush prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Large-flowered Pea-bush?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Large-flowered Pea-bush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Large-flowered Pea-bush?
Feed Large-flowered Pea-bush every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Large-flowered Pea-bush?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Large-flowered Pea-bush is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Large-flowered Pea-bush?
Large-flowered Pea-bush can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Large-flowered Pea-bush?
Prune Large-flowered Pea-bush while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Large-flowered Pea-bush in Winter?
Large-flowered Pea-bush is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Large-flowered Pea-bush?
Large-flowered Pea-bush can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sphaerolobium acanthos plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Large-flowered Pea-bush Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Large-flowered Pea-bush, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Large-flowered Pea-bush?
Large-flowered Pea-bush is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Large-flowered Pea-bush Need?
Large-flowered Pea-bush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Large-flowered Pea-bush is native to the south-west of Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Large-flowered Pea-bush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Large-flowered Pea-bush is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Sphaerolobium genus — compare its care with other Sphaerolobium species on PlantoScan.
Sphaerolobium is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Large-flowered Pea-bush thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Sphaerolobium Species
Other Sphaerolobium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sphaerolobium macranthum Meisn., family Fabaceae (first published in Pl. Preiss. 2: 213 (1848)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Large-flowered Pea-bush, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
